Hunter Arch laid still so he can once again listen for the quiet thudding steps. Hunter was just a simple earth-pony. He has a faded green coat, with bright brown mane. His cutie mark was an arrow for his skill with a bow. Scout, his companion who is a phoenix ,alerted him of a flying creature that he suspects is a dragon earlier today. Hunter dedicated his time in liberating the Everfree Forest of dangerous creatures who brought imbalance to the ecosystem. His favourite were dragons; they were the ones who got him exiled after all. He waved to Scout to which meant for him to go confirm if it's a dangerous creature. He nodded and dimmed it's wings so it can stealth through the evening without flashing his fire embedded wings. Hunter awaited him to flare his wings which signalled 'its good'. This time, Scout ventured farther than usual making it difficult for Hunter to see him.
He silently cursed his near-sighted vision, and squinted to focus on Scout. As he expected, he flared his wings but in a rather hasty way. Dispite his unusual manner of signalling, Hunter arched his arrow on his bow, then eyed at his target to adjust his aim, then released his grip. The arrow hits the target and it lands in a thud. Hunter silently congratulated himself. He quickly made his way to his target while Scout met him halfway. When they did meet, Scout wing-slapped him.
"What?!" he said in confusion,
Scout screeched and face-winged.
"Gah!! Really?! Why didn't you signal me to stop?!"
He screeched again.
"Oh, I guess we should make a 'it's NOT good' signal later." he facehoofed, then remembered about the pony he hit. At his realization, he quickly made his way to save the pony. Scout followed behind him.
Oh buck oh buck oh buck! he had his med kit back at his camp, he'd have to carry the pony to there. In the meantime, he did have bandages and sterilizers under his arrows. He observed the blood trail leading to the pony in a short distance: the pony attempted to crawl away but stopped not so far. His guilt only heightened. As he approached her, he notices that the pony is unconscious lifted the pony onto his back without a glance at the pony. Scout helped balance the pony with by gently grasping the pony's legs. He galloped back to his camp realizing he forgot to bandage and sterilize the pony's wound. Once again, he facehoofed.
He gently laid the pony down on soft moss then began unpacking his stuff. He dripped his sterilizer around the wound to, then carefully tested the arrow by gently tugging it. He then broke off the shaft leaving the arrowhead and a bit of the shaft on their flesh. As he reached for bandages, he took a glance at the pony's face. Definitely feminine! He then notices that she is a unicorn... and a pegasus...
It took him a moment to realize what he saw,I BUCKING HIT AN ALICORN!
He panicked, regret clawed at his sanity; how could he have possibly done this?! The thought that he arrowed royalty was enough for a grown woodspony to faint. He shook his head then managed to focus his mind to tend her wounds. He gently wrapped the bandage around her torso which overlapped the wound too. He would remove it when he got back. The bandage left some space around the wound for air. Satisfied, he gently lifted her onto his back again with the help of Scout. They made quick way back to camp.
Scout already went to get his medkit as he set her onto his bed. His bed was already covered with a lot of spare cloth of course. He carefully removed the bandages to begin on the arrowhead. Scout handed him the tonsil, he also brought a mildly tall branch to hang her water supply. He dug at the earth beside at her while Hunter was at work. Once he was satisfied with the hole, Scout planted the branch in then filled up the remaining space and patted it down with his claws. He then grabbed a canteen and flew to their water reserve not so far from their camp. Once he returned, Hunter was jsut cleaning the wound and applying yarrow. It sped up healing and disinfected wounds. He already took out the arrow head; it was placed on the ground beside them.
Scout hung the canteen that was capped onto the branch's branch. He attached the long straw that supplied just a bid of fluid into the pony from the medkit. He then passed it to Hunter who took it and patted Scout on the back in gratitude. He pierced it into her vein on her left foreleg then flipped the switch to begin supplying the water. He then cleansed the wound once more before he would stitch up the skin. Once he was done that, he wrapped the wound in a fresh batch of bandage.
He wiped sweat from his forehead and stepped back to look on the work he has made. The alicorn had a glistening gold mane dispite the dirt that spotted it. She also has a pale blue coat which really intrigued Hunter of her beauty. Her cutie mark was a plain brown heart. He expected a more appealing cutie mark if she was royalty.
Hunter lifted her from the bed only so Scout can take out the blood stained sheets. He gently laid her back onto his bed. He sighed in satisfaction. But worry still hung in his mind. The thought that the wound could bring her death haunted his already dark mind.
"Oh Scout, today was quite a doozy." said Hunter,
Scout screeched softly to agree.
Terra cursed herself and everyone she knew. She tried releasing her anger into every stomp she made, but it only made it worse. She cursed everything and everypony. She cursed her mother, she cursed her friends, she cursed that lame pony. All of a sudden, a phoenix flew by above her. She ducked at it's presence but then continued to trot and stomp. How dare they treat her like this. She played by Celestia's rules, she spent tome with that lame pony , and she was loyal and bright for her friends. But what did they do? The--
At that moment, she felt a sudden impact on her body. She then experienced agonizing pain on her ribs. She dropped to her knees and cringed. She could barely walk any more since every bit of movement only made the pain worse. Eventually she dropped to her tummy and bashed her hoof on the ground in frustration. She looked at the spot of her pain and sees an arrow sticking out. This day just keeps getting better and better! She began clawing at the ground for grip and pulled herself into the nearby shrub. She wasn't going to give up! The more she dragged herself, the more numb her body feels.
Losing...too much.... Blood.... must.... Survive... she thought, curse this day... And curse everypony! And buck you! Mother...
Eh... I feel awful! She thought before her senses reminded her about what happened recently. Her memories came flooding back, she got knocked put while she crawled to a nearby shrub. She cringes as she felt massive pain in her ribs. She felt the arrow was gone and that her wound was wrapped with bandages. She then cautiously looks around at her environment. She was below a rock overhang which provided overhead protection. She was lying on soft set of white sheets and a blanket pulled over her. She had a long and thin tube attached to her foreleg. The tube lead to a water canteen that slowly supplied her water. She then looks further beyond her little cot, a typical camp. A fireplace in the middle, a small bag hung on a nearby tree which she assumed to be their food supplies. The sun was just barely up, only dared to shine a bit. She notices a phoenix perched behind a pale green earthpony, both still asleep. She moved to get up but recoiled at her pain. She gave up and decided to sleep some more.
She later discovered that it would impossible. She was wide awake but crippled. She just laid her head back on the pillow she was provided and pondered about her day. She was probably mistakenly hit by that earthpony and so he brought her here to recover. Although she appreciated his efforts, she is still ticked off about what happened before all that happened at home. What she desperately needed now was a nice warm bath. Or perhaps a massage.
Bored out of her mind, she wished that the earthpony would wake. But then she remembered that she had telepathic powers which compensated for her mute voice. (Unable to speak)
She took a moment to decide whether to sneak into his dreams or wake him by spamming his mind.
Why not both?!
She found herself inside a pub. Ponies all around were busy chatting and laughing at their own table or group. It didn't take long for her to be the center of attention. All ponies stared in awe as they noticed her alicorn features. All ponies, except a bunch at the far-left corner. They were busy with their own blabbering as one pony was sharing his story. They listened attentively to that one pony. She recognized that pony as the one who was at the camp with her. She made sure she was in his side-view to get just a tad bit of his attention while she walked towards the bar. The music switched to epic trance, it was also when he looked past his friends and saw her.
She could tell he was mesmerized, but she just kept her charm and sat at the bar for a drink.
"So then Scout flared his wings, which I thought he meant ITS GOOD TO KILL!" his buddies laughed heartily, Hunter continued on his story, " So then I shot my arrow and hit 'er right in the ribcage, and then I find this mare, who turns out to be an alicorn! Can you guys believe it?! I shot an alicorn!"
Their jaws dropped and eyes popped.
"Whoa! Was she knocked out?" one of his friend asked.
"Hehe, yea! She lost too much blood before I got to her. So i brought her back to the camp and fixed her up. She's probably still aslee--" he cut off his words when he saw past his friends, the pale blue alicorn that he found. His friends turned to see what he was staring at then their jaws dropped even further.
"Hey Hunter, is that her?"
"Damn shes cute!"
"Holy buck! An alicorn!" said his friends.
"Yea... thats her... what is she doing here?" said Hunter,
They then caught each other's eyes and stared for a bit. She started approaching their table with a cute smile. All he and his friends can do is keep staring at her.
"Hello Hunter." her voice was graceful and sweet like honey dipped sugar canes. She kept her eyes on Hunter which made him a tad bit nervous.
"Eh... Hi?" he stammered,
"Can you do me a favour?"
"Ehyea sure. What do you need?"
"Wake up."
"Wha?" he crossed his brows and tried to think about what was happening.
"Wake up, you're still dreaming."
"I don't follo--" at that moment his whole world fazed in his vision and he found that his friends were disappearing too. The music faded and the lights went out. He then found himself lying on soft moss and his head leaned on a log that Scout fetched for him. His eyelid snapped open and his brain jolted into action. He realized that he was dreaming as that mare said then his memory came back to him quickly.
He notices the mare still lying where she was last night but with her eyes still closed. He woke Scout up. Celestia' sun shone into his eyes. Usually he would go out to scavenge food with Scout, but this time he told him to stay back to watch the mare for him. He agreed without argument and perched on the branch beside her. He also notices the bag of water becoming low so he made a note in his mind to fetch more water from their water reserve.
His mouth held the bucket of water while he had wild tomatoes in his pack. Hunter had many questions to ask when she woke. Questions such as What is your name? Are you really royalty? How did you end up here? Forgive me for shooting you?. He worried about whatever Scout was doing. He could be trying to calm her as shes rampaging in his camp! He shook the thought off as ridiculas. She had a deep wound on her hip, he doubts she could stand for long without applying pressure on it. Or rather stomp about. Celestia's sun rose higher as it slowly turns more vibrant and yellow. The morning wasn't pleasant today. He had the weirdest dream yet, had a crick in his back for sleeping on a log, his nose was congested, and his eyes felt they were slightly burning from the lack of sleep.
Finally, he stepped into his camp to find Scout still perched above the alicorn. He screeched softly in greetings to his master. He glanced back at the mare for a second check. Hunter now witnessing the mare's appearance in daylight: she was gorgeous. His eyes dilated, and his stomach clenched. He had to remind himself not to stare or do anything coy. Why was it so hard to just replace the waterbag? Scout lifted himself from the branch and soared onto Hunter for an embrace. They both smiled in the comfort of their bonding. Nevertheless, he still had to replace the waterbag. Carefully, he switched off the water link of the mare's tube, so no air would enter her bloodstream while he worked. Once he finished, he looked upon the mare once more. She stirred awake and flitted her eyes slowly as she caught him staring.
*How long have you been there?* he heard a distant but sweet voice in his head. He recoiled at the sudden voice, not knowing whether it was his mind or some conscience talking to him. He gave a dumbfounded look at the mare, causing her to roll her eyes. *Im talking to you.* she raised an eyebrow. Hunter looked around to see if something or somepony else was there. Could it possibly be?
"Did you speak through our own minds?" he asked with a withering voice. If she did respond to it, he still wouldn't believe her.
*It is how I communicate with my subjects, fair Hunter. As you may realize, I cannot speak.* She knows my name!He shivered. His mind was in a dump. How could she have known he asked himself. Again she rolled her eyes, *Its called telepathy, magic of the mind as I like to call it. I can do more than just plant voices in your head.* she smirked.
On the brink of losing his sanity, he decided to play along,
"So... before I ask anymore questions, do you have a name?"
*I am called Terra.* she meant to say: Of course I do! Do you think I am a dumb-feathered mare?!
"Alright," he started, "how are you feeling?"
*Numb at the hips,* she notices the anxiety in her stomach, *and ready for breakfast.*
He nodded and ushered the food in his pack to Scout. He gave a short screech and flew away with the satchel.
"He's a clever bird, he'll get it ready soon enough." he turned his attention back to Terra, "Can you lift your hooves?"
With doubt, she pulled them out from the covers. From his observation, he nodded in confirmation.
"Once its noon, you can get moving on your hooves again." he smiled, "In the meantime, you'll stay here with Scout--"
*Scout? The phoenix?* she interrupted,
"Yea, so I can fetch us lunch and dinner for today and tomorrow." he prodded his chin," Or perhaps a week if Im lucky enough."
Scout returned with a bowl of simmering stew, just as Hunter promised. He set it down beside his master and hopped onto his back. He lifted his chin up in pride for making another fine bowl of tomato and celery stew. Terra loosened the covers so she can sit up in her bed. She grasped the bowl with saying thanks to both Hunter and his companion. The warmth it gave off relaxed her. It smelled decent. She was surprised such a bird with cooking abilities can do well. Certainly her first time of seeing the likes of Scout. She used her magic to cool down the stew and gracefully lifted it to her muzzle. Her eye caught them looking at her while she was eating. It made her awkward. Hunter noticing her gaze, he realize that he was staring. He excuses himself and ushers Scout to follow. They got their share of the stew as well but ate it beside the small campfire. Terra enjoyed hers as well.
He returned to bombard her with more questions,
"As an alicorn, does that mean you're royalty? Do you forgive me for shootin' ya? How was the stew? Are you comfortable right now?"
*Not JUST because im an alicorn but I am still royalty, in sure time, excellent, no: you make everything awkward.*
"Alright," he lowered his eyes, "Probably the last one for now: What were you doing around here?"
She took a moment before she replied, *I'll tell you later. But I do want to give you the same question.*
He also took a moment before he replied, "I used to be part of the Elite Royal guards in Canterlot, until I was framed by a...Dragon. So I was tried guilty and sent to the Everfree--"
*For threatening the kingdom and apparently responsible for the wreckage of what used to be Trottingham (old). I witnessed the trial.*
"Yea, so with rather nothing to do, I bettered myself by conserving the balance here and beyond the Everfree. We're at the south-edge."
*So you promoted yourself as a Ranger of the Everfree.*
"Likewise." he looked at the sun now towering above him. "Time to go, i'll be back soon. If I don't, tell Scout not to come after me." he left and picked up his bow and arrows by his log. He expects me to know how to speak Phoenix?! she whined.
Now the evening, Terra felt too lazy to stand and walk about. She recently had to hold Scout down from chasing after his master. He promised to be back before the sun neared the other horizon, but now it is slowly setting. She grew worry just as much as Scout has. Worst-scenarios came into her mind. He could be attacked in the forest without Scout, he may have gotten lost--but she doubted that-- or Celestia finally finding Terra here. She couldn't go back now... she wasn't prepared for it.
Suddenly, she hears a rustle at the other side of the camp. He emerges from the bush that blocked her view. he wore a smile as Scout swooped down on him for an embrace. He squawked in glee. In her mind, Terra did too.
Behind him, he heaved a sack. He revealed it to them; there were potatoes, tomatoes, and even some exotic fruit they don't recognize! He wore a proud expression, it was indeed a very good scavenge. Scout patted Hunter on the back showing his gratitude. This may last them a month! He closed it up to safely haul the food to their storage sack.
He brought herbs and seeds as well.
*Where did you get all this?!* said Terra,
"Well the fruits, I found them deep in the forest where it changed from tall trees, to the tropical! These things sprouted everywhere! The seeds and herbs I found on my way there and back. Just a lucky day."
She nodded and offered a helping hoof with the cooking. He denied and instead, gestured her to Scout: he was the real chef. She anticipated to witness the phoenix at work. He started off grasping a lime and an orange and squeeze them into a small bowl. He then swiftly flew over a pile of logs which automatically ignited. He swerved back and to storage sack to pull out a full loaf of bread. Terra started on the citrus sauce that he was planning to make. She added pepper and a couple of parsley. Before she did anything else, Scout came in and pulled the bowl away from Terra. He screeched, sounded angry, so Terra crossed her fore-legs and pouted. He sniffed the bowl and recoiled, obviously didn't approve of her additions.
Hunter smiled at the childish scene and invited Terra over to help him tend the fire.
"He gets cocky when it comes to cooking. Wouldn't even let me near the pans." he smiled, they poked at the fire for some moments. Hunter then got up re-positioned the logs so a pot can fit in the middle. Just in time, Scout carried in a medium sized pot filled with tomato slices, carrots, and avocado drizzled with the citrus sauce. He let the pot simmer on the fire, and perched on Hunter's back.
*Are you still curious about me?* she spoke-- thought.
"About what?" he replied,
*About why Im here.*
His eyes widened at his realization. Then nodded for her to continue.
*Well as you know, I am related to royalty. In fact, Celestia raised me. She always treated me dearly and I trusted her decisions and such. Not so long ago when my wings appeared, along with my cutiemark, she insisted that I take on royal duties.* her eyes turned sorrow, *She didn't want to tell me how she found me as a filly, and I respected that-- although I grew very curious about it. Anyways, one day she announces that I learn more strenuous duties such as judgement and diplomacy. She took me with her each time.*
Scout squawked signalling that the food was ready. So Hunter nodded and fetched some bowls. He returned with spoons and 3 bowls. He scooped up the simmering stew in the pot and filled each individual bowl. He passed them along the group and quietly ate. Terra continued on.
*So on my first day to judgement, it just happened to be your case. The whole dragon-frame. When you finished, I sought out mercy for you, but Celestia thought otherwise. I pleaded her to just serve you to community service. But she gave me the coldest glare and said I was unfit for justice. It broke my spirit, i'll admit, but I still understood. But the very next day...* she clenched her eyes, forcing a tear to run down, *A very dear childhood friend of mine came to the city, his name is ShaningHand. He too was branch of royalty. But he didn't come for a visit, his father and Celestia met for a serious meeting apparantly.*
She looked up at Hunter with pained eyes, *They wanted to arrange my marriage with him.* Hunter gasped,
"What in the world for?" he asked,
*To combine our kingdoms, and Celestia mentioned that it was much more than that. That was all she ever told me about it. Shaning didn't agree either, so we tried many ways to get out of it. But failed. Eventually it came to the point one of us had to run away...*
"I see... then the rest was what happened out here?"
She nodded, *No doubt she'll find me soon.*
They sat through the rest of their meal in silence. Hunter finally broke the silence.
"Do you plan on going back?"
She took a long moment to collect her thoughts, *Only until something saves me.* she stood and headed for her spot on the bed, *Or until they catch me. Goodnight Hunter.*
He kept staring at her, bewildered, until she laid her head on the pillow.
"Goodnight Terra..."
